Jairus’s Daughter Raised to Life Preschool Lesson
Preschool lesson (ages 3–6, 20 minutes)
1. Welcome (3 min)
Sit in a circle, greet every child by name and show one thing from the story to touch.
2. The little story (5 min)
Teach the refrain first: “Jesus went with Jairus.”
Jesus came back across the big lake in a boat. A big crowd was waiting for him by the water. So many people! They all wanted to be near Jesus.
One man in the crowd was named Jairus. Jairus was a leader at the meeting house – the place where people met to pray and to hear God’s Word. Jairus had a little girl. She was twelve years old.
But his little girl was very, very sick. She was so sick that she was dying. Maybe Jairus was very afraid.
Jairus came to Jesus and fell down at his feet. He begged and begged. “My little daughter is very sick,” he said. “Please come and lay your hands on her, that she may live.”
And Jesus went with him. The big crowd came too. They pushed and pressed all around Jesus. Step, step, step. Can you walk in place with little steps, like the busy crowd? Jesus went with Jairus.
On the way, something happened. A sick woman was in the crowd. She had been sick for twelve years. She came up behind Jesus and touched his clothes. And right away, she was well!
Jesus stopped. “Who touched my clothes?” he asked. The woman came and told him everything. Jesus said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace.” Faith means trusting Jesus.
While Jesus was still speaking, some people came from Jairus’ house. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the Teacher any more?”
Oh, that was very sad news. But Jesus heard what they said. Right away he said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid, only believe.” To believe means to keep on trusting Jesus. Jesus went with Jairus.
Jesus let only three friends come along: Peter, James, and John. Can you count them with me? Peter – one. James – two. John – three.
At the house, there was an uproar – a big, loud noise. Many people were crying and wailing. Jesus went in and said, “Why do you make an uproar and weep? The child is not dead, but is asleep.”
But the people made fun of him. So Jesus sent them all outside. Jesus went with Jairus.
Jesus went in with the girl’s father and mother and his three friends. The little girl was lying there, very still.
Jesus took the little girl by the hand. Can you hold someone’s hand, gently, like Jesus did? He said to her, “Talitha cumi!” Those are words in Jesus’ own language. They mean, “Girl, I tell you, get up!”
And right away the girl got up! She stood up and walked around. Her father and mother were amazed, so very amazed! Can you stand up quickly, like the girl?
Then Jesus told them to give her something to eat. Maybe she was hungry after being sick for so long. What do you think she ate?
Jesus is stronger than sickness. He is stronger even than death. And he cares for every little girl and every little boy. Jesus went with Jairus.
3. Talk together (3 min)
- How do you think Jairus felt when he heard the sad news?
- What do you think the girl wanted to eat when she got up?
4. Move (3 min)
Refrain Freeze: move around the room; when you say the refrain, everyone freezes and says it together.
5. Make (4 min)
Draw a line to who said it.
6. Verse and prayer (2 min)
“Don’t be afraid, only believe.” — Mark 5:36 (Don’t be afraid → shake your head gently; only believe → both hands on your heart)
Dear Jesus, thank you that you are stronger than death. Thank you that you care for little children. Amen.
Lesson for older kids (ages 6–10)
Big idea: Jesus Turns Fear Into Faith
Memory verse: “Don't be afraid, only believe.” — Mark 5:36 · WEB
The Bible story
When a heartbroken father begs for help, Jesus walks to his home with a promise of hope and shows that even the saddest goodbye can turn to joy.
Talk about it
- How old was Jairus's daughter? — Twelve years old
- What was wrong with Jairus's little girl? — She was dying
- What did Jairus do when he found Jesus? — He fell at Jesus' feet
- What did Jairus ask Jesus to do? — Put His hands on her
- What sad news did messengers bring on the way? — The girl had died
- What did Jesus tell Jairus not to do? — Not to be afraid
Where is Jesus in this story?
This story shows us that Jesus is stronger than sickness and even stronger than death. Long ago He gently woke a little girl and gave her back to her family, and one day Jesus himself would rise from the grave so that everyone who trusts in Him can share in God's forever life. Jesus is the loving Friend who can turn our deepest sadness into the brightest joy.
What God wants to tell us
Jairus was frightened and terribly sad, but Jesus told him to keep on believing, and Jesus kept His promise. This story shows us that God is bigger than any problem we could ever face, even the ones that feel too scary for words. When we are worried, we can bring everything to Jesus, hold His hand in our hearts, and trust that He is always working good things, full of love for each one of us.
Prayer
Thank You, God, that You are stronger than anything that makes me afraid. When I feel sad or worried, help me to trust You and to remember that You are holding me in Your kind hands. Thank You for Your love that never, ever lets me go. Amen.
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